Ringing in 2013

1.1.13 - Me at 1:00am, a little bit after crossing the finish line to my 1st race in years!
I did it, you guys!! I ran my 1st race in years and I didn't stop once, well only for a second or two because my running buddy couldn't work the camera :)

My running buddy! My hero, my daddy!
It was already an emotional day, to think that I would be running in a race and to top it off that I'd be running along side my dad! I've said it before, my future goal is to one day cross the finish line of the ING NYC Marathon with my dad. But this was equally as special. The Emerald Midnight run was his first race, some years ago and I remember waiting for him to finish the race when my sister and I were little.
This time around they waited for both of us!

 I had little crying fits throughout the day and as the hours winded down to midnight I started having fleeting thoughts of running away, or just saying that I was feeling sick or something, so that I'd have an excuse for not doing the race. But all my tweets, messages, and texts that I'd received throughout the day and days leading to New Years Eve made me think of all the people thinking of me and rooting for me, plus wasn't this what I'd worked so hard for?!? To run my first race!

 I put on my running gear which consisted of a red sparkly skirt, pink sneakers, LED earrings and Sparkly Soul red headband. I was ready to bring it on!

With my dad, a few minutes before the race started!
The fireworks started going off and off we went running into Central Park. I felt good, ecstatic and pumped. There's no better energy like that than being surrounded by a bunch of runners, screaming happy New Years while doing something they really loved - running!
I'll never forget the feeling of looking up at the sky and seeing it light up with colors and screaming Happy New Year Daddy! Sure it was a cold night but I felt warm and happy.
I didn't get any cramps and my asthma was perfectly under control, what was even more exciting was the fact that I didn't stop once to catch my breath. I've been running every morning and every single time I did one those morning runs I've always stopped to catch my breath. This time I didn't!!! I didn't!!!
 My feet didn't let me stop, I couldn't, and I didn't want to. My dad said words of encouragement the entire time, "You can do it, chiquita", "Your doing great", "We are almost there", "Your doing it, Chiquita"  and the moment we both saw the finish line, we started racing each other. It's a feeling like no other, I felt like a little girl again, running and giggling with her daddy as she crossed the finish line. I shed tears of happiness and I felt proud of myself .
I set my heart on something and I did it!!

My boys
With my seester and niece or nephew :)
With my dad & mom!
This girl right here has set her heart on running a half marathon in 2013 and SHE WILL!!
Because she can!!
Cheers to what's sure to be an epic 2013!!

Love,
Kary xoxo

P.S. Stay tuned to the MyCommitent race which was done only a few hours after my New Years Eve race! I was on a roll that day :)


44 comments

  1. Woohoo! Love the sparkle skirt. Congrats on your new journey.

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  2. It is so cool that you got to run the race with your dad. A memory that will last forever.

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    1. It will definitely last forever and I'm happy I was able to share that special moment with my dad!!

      xo

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  3. Congratulations!And best of luck, you can def do the IMG NY Marathon #LLBlog

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  4. Holy Mole! :) That is great! congrats to you and your dad! sending you a huge high five!

    xoxo
    Marla

    www.marlitaontherun.com

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    1. Thank you, love!!

      I have to say I love that Holy mole phrase! :)

      xoxo

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  5. Your first 1/2 marathon is something you'll never forget. Congrats to taking the first steps in this journey. LOVE this race outfit BTW!

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    1. I can imagine, I'm already imagining the feeling of crossing the finish line :)

      Thank you!!

      Loved the sparkle skirt and now I'm thinking I need a pink one, it is my staple color! :)

      xo

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  6. So proud of you, keep or up girl!!

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  7. Congratulations! How fun to include your family. Your pictures are so happy!

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    1. Thank you!
      My dad is my inspiration! He always shared his love for running with us and I am very grateful for that!! :)

      xo

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  8. I am sooo proud of you! I love your commitment and as always your beautiful smile. I love you more dear Kary!!

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    1. Thank you, Mi Clau!! For rooting for me during this journey of mines!! I love you, Mi Clau!!

      xoxo

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  9. WOW! Congrats on such a great and emotional accomplishment :)

    XOXO
    Amanda
    TheAccidentalMrs.com

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  10. Congrats! what an awesome accomplishment for 2013! how cute is that picture of you and your sister and baby :) Happy New year!

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    1. Thank you, sweets!!

      I'm so excited to meet my baby niece or nephew in February :)

      The countdown begins!!

      Happy New Year!

      xoxo

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  11. Great job!!!! So proud of you! I have no doubt that one day you will cross the NYC marathon finish line with your dad. Keep it up.

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    1. Woot!! Thank you, love!

      So many amazing girls like you that inspire me!

      xoxo

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  12. felicidades amiga!! i am so proud of you, you set your mind to something and you accomplish it!!! can't wait for you to do your half marathon!!! i ran 6KM because of YOU!!! <3 thanks for inspiring me to get moving!! xoxo

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    1. Muchas gracias mi amiga!! You've rooted for me all the way :)

      Yay, you!! For running 6KM today you are amazing and Thank you for always saying the sweetest things!! 2013 will be apic for all us girls!!

      xoxo

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  13. Fantastic job!! I'm so thrilled for you! And I know you'll have many more races to come. :)

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    1. Thank you, girl!! It was very exciting and so great to have made my dream come true!

      Cheers to many more races!!

      xoxo :)

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  14. Congrats to your achievement. Looks like you had a blast. I hope to get more active this year as well.

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    1. Thank you, girl!! :) It was fun!
      You can do it!!

      xo

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  15. The pride and emotions jump off the page mujer! What a great accomplishment- one of many. Congrats on meeting a goal and making a very special personal memory with your loved ones. Here's to a fantastic 2013!!! BB2U

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    1. Thank you so much, linda!! It was a very memorable night indeed with a beautiful memory that will last me forever! :)

      Cheers to a fantastic 2013!!

      xoxo

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  16. Congratulations!! What a fantastic story and an incredible way to ring in the new year. Use your bravery in this race all year long. That half marathon will be yours!

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    1. Thank you so much for this lovely comment! I will remember it as I train and go for my morning runs!! :)

      Your comment made my night!

      xoxo

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  17. YAY!!! WAy to go on your first race!! And a NYE race is the best way to kick off the year. Congrats!

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    1. Thank you, thank you!!! It was such an awesome way to ring in the new year :) I loved the costumes and environment!! :)

      xoxo

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  18. Curse you for making me cry! (Tears of joy of course!) This is so unbelievably awesome that I have no other words for it! I'm so proud of you girl! You totally ROCK!!

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    1. Hahaha! You are a rockstar!! Thank you so much for your sweet comment but I am seriously inspired by girls like you!! We ALL rock!!!

      xoxo

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  19. Awww, even though I was excited for you the day of, your recap made me teary-eyed. You and your dad rock.

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    1. Thank you, love!! I'm such a baby cry that I was crying as I wrote this post! :)

      xo

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  20. Congratulations! Beautiful moments with your family!

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    1. Thank you, sweetie!! A very beautiful moment indeed!!

      xo

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  21. You are an inspiration friend and how beautiful to have started racing again and to be in one with your dear dad!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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